Syringe attackers that triggered the latest Urumqi unrest will be given harsh punishment in accordance with the law, said a notice jointly released by the city's court, prosecutor's office and police department late Sunday.

Those who stabbed others with syringe needles containing poisonous or harmful substances or contaminated by drug use may be sentenced to three years and more in prison, or life imprisonment and even death penalty, if convicted, said the notice by the municipal intermediate court, public security bureau and procuratorate.

Such acts constitute the crime of deploying dangerous substances to harm others as described in China's penal code, which is punishable by death if the consequence is grave, the document said.

Those who spread fake information about stabbing cases, which disturbed the social order, will also be detained or jailed.

Citizens are allowed to seize and turn over the people stabbing or having stabbed others to police stations, according to the document.

The punishment of those who surrenders or impeaches others may be lightened or exempt.

(Xinhua News Agency September 7, 2009)